en
path, evidently made by buffaloes and other animals passing to and from
the river. This path was hedged in by a thick thorny scrub, which being
impenetrable rendered it unnecessary for some time to avail themselves
of the instincts of the hound. Congo led the way.

"Are you sure that the two horses have passed along here?" asked Willem,
addressing himself to the Kaffir.

"Yaas, Baas Willem," answered Congo. "Sure dey both go here."

Willem, turning to Hendrik, added, "I wish Arend had let the horse go to
the deuce. It was not worth following into a place like this."

After continuing through the thicket for nearly half a mile, they
reached a stretch of open ground, where there was no longer a beaten
trail, but tracks diverging in several directions. The hoof-marks of
Arend's horse were again found, and the bloodhound was unleashed and set
upon them.

Unlike most hounds, Spoor'em did not dash onward, leaving his followers
far behind. He appeared to think that it would be for the mutual
advantage of himself and his masters that they should remain near each
other. The latter, therefore, had no difficulty in keeping up with the
dog.

Believing that they should soon learn something of the fate of their
lost companion, they proceeded onward, with their voices encouraging the
hound to greater speed.

The sounds of a contest carried on by some of the wild denizens of the
neighbourhood were soon heard a few yards in advance of them. They were
sounds that the hunters had often listened to before, and therefore
could easily interpret. A lion and a pack of hyenas were quarrelling
over the dead body of some large animal. They were not fighting; for of
course the royal beast was in undisputed possession of the carcass, and
the hyenas were simply complaining in their own peculiar tones. The
angry roars of the lion, and the hideous laughter of the hyenas,
proceeded from a spot only a few yards in advance, and in the direction
Spoor'em was leading them.

The moon had risen, and by its light the searchers soon beheld the
creatures that were causing the tumult. About a dozen hyenas were
gibbering around a huge lion that lay crouched alongside a dark object
on the ground, upon which he appeared to be feeding. As the hunters
drew nearer, the hyenas retreated to some distance.

"It appears to be the carcass of a horse," whispered Hendrik.

"Yes, I am sure of it," answered Willem, "for I can see the saddle. My
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